Denbighshire named runner-up in national competition

The Council has come second in a national award for its work cutting down on red tape.

The Council’s Planning and Public Protection department was named runner-up in the Regulatory Delivery Awards, a UK-wide competition showcasing outstanding work in delivering regulation.

Denbighshire was nominated for its work on its Better Business for All (BBfA) project which brings together businesses and the Council’s Planning and Public Protection department to improve how regulation is delivered to save businesses time and money.

As part of BBfA, the Council now offers better co-ordination between services so a more holistic service can be provided to businesses during visits.

Denbighshire, the only Welsh applicant named among the 13 finalists, was also given a special 'one to watch' recognition by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which runs the awards.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire, said: “Being named a runner-up in the Regulatory Delivery Awards is a real achievement. I am very proud of all the staff in the Planning and Public Protection department who have contributed to the success of Better Business for All.

“As part of BBfA, regulators inform businesses of any support available to them from the Council and other organisations, including business support grants.

“This project is about removing the regulatory barriers to growth - and raising the economic competitiveness of Denbighshire.

“Compliance with regulations can help your business provide a high and competitive standard of product that customers trust, to help guard your business against liability and to highlight any inefficient use of resources.

“We believe this is an effective way of supporting businesses, and along with a number of projects under our Economic and Community Ambition Strategy, is helping Denbighshire firms by developing the economy.

“We are extending the principles of BBfA to other service areas to further improve the way the Council interacts with businesses.”

Other work undertaken to improve regulatory delivery in the county includes Primary Authority Partnerships with local businesses, the production of business packs to provide improved guidance and support as well as workshops with businesses to help develop policies.

The awards ceremony was held in Birmingham on July 4 and other finalists included Tesco’s quality standards team, Salford City Council and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Pictured are Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire (centre); Graham Boase, the Council’s Head of Planning and Public Protection (centre right); Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager (centre left) and staff from the planning and public protection department.